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Tennessee's Arion Carter Receives Two-Game Suspension for Agent-Funded Flight
The NCAA has suspended Tennessee standout linebacker Arion Carter for two games due to his agent paying for a $427 flight during the NFL pre-draft process, according to Adam Sparks of Knox News. Carter has since paid back the money. Following the 2025 season, Carter announced his decision to enter the 2026 NFL Draft before ultimately returning to college for one more year. Last year's SEC leader in tackles per game (7.6) will now be forced to miss the Volunteers' matchups with Furman and Georgia Tech in Weeks 1 and 2. Head coach Josh Heupel has come to his defense. "Arion Carter represents everything that is right about college athletics, dedicating all four years of his career to the University of Tennessee," Heupel said. "His high character, loyalty, and leadership within our program are unmatched." While this isn't ideal for Tennessee, Carter will return before conference play, and the Vols have strong depth at the position. In 31 career games, Carter has tallied 161 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and nine pass deflections.
Source: Adam Sparks - Knox News
Source: Adam Sparks - Knox News
Walker Jenkins Climbing Stash Rankings Amid Stellar July Play
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins has emerged as a near must-stash prospect ahead of the start of August. While the top prospect in the Minnesota Pipeline has often battled injuries, when on the field he has been very productive. Since returning from the Triple-A IL in late June, Jenkins has been swinging a hot bat and has put himself in prime position for a promotion. Over his last 15 contests at the top club, the former first-round selection has carried a strong .276/.364/.431 slash line with a .795 OPS, six doubles and one home run. During his first 25 games of the campaign (before the injury), Jenkins carried a much lower .389 SLG with only two total home runs. If Jenkins can maintain this pace, he should be primed for a late-season call-up to Minnesota.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Ethan Salas Promoted to Triple-A as 2026 MLB Debut is in Reach
San Diego Padres catching prospect Ethan Salas is being promoted to Triple-A El Paso, according to Chase Ford of MiLB Central. Salas is viewed as the No. 1 prospect in the San Diego system and will now sit just one step away from the major leagues. The young backup endured some growing pains during the 2024 season and appeared in only 10 games last summer, but he has rebounded quite nicely in 2026. In 2024, Salas spent 111 games with High-A, where he held a .206/.288/.311 line with a low .599 OPS. However, this season at Double-A, Salas has carried a sharp .286/.361/.417 slash line with 13 doubles, seven home runs and 14 stolen bases. While a late-season MLB debut is unlikely, his promotion has kept the door open. The 20-year-old remains one of the top catching prospects in the entire sport and is the long-term answer behind the dish for the Padres.
Source: Chase Ford
Source: Chase Ford
Yoendrys Gomez Emerging as Must-Add Saves Option
Twins right-hander Yoendrys Gomez has been dominant in the second half after overcoming a shaky start to the season. Gomez has posted a 1.91 ERA over his last 30 appearances and an even better 1.42 ERA across his last seven outings. The 25-year-old has thrived in high-leverage situations, converting all 13 of his save opportunities while adding six holds. Since joining the Twins, Gomez owns a stellar 1.78 ERA and has quickly become one of the club's most reliable relievers. His recent performance has solidified his late-inning role, and his confidence continues to grow with every outing. Fantasy managers should not hesitate to add Gomez, as he has developed into a dependable source of saves and ratio help.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jalen Smith Emerges as Lakers Center-Depth Target
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith has been listed by The Athletic's Dan Woike as one of the Lakers' center-depth targets, while NBA insider Evan Sidery has floated a framework that would send one of Jake LaRavia or Jaden Hardy, plus Dalton Knecht and second-round picks, to Chicago for Smith. Los Angeles has Kevon Looney behind starter Walker Kessler, but Smith would add a different look as a rebounding big who can space the floor next to Luka Dončić. The fantasy catch is role. Smith averaged 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists last season, but he would likely be a backup five in Los Angeles, just as he currently sits behind Nicolas Claxton in Chicago. The right-calf issue that ended last season adds some availability risk, leaving Smith as a deep-league option only if his minutes open up.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Travis Hunter Opens Camp by Warming Up with the Offense
The Jacksonville Jaguars have taken to the field for their first practice of training camp, and second-year two-way player Travis Hunter started the day wearing a teal offensive jersey, warming up alongside the other non-special-teams wide receivers before breaking off with the defensive backs for individual drills. Hunter's year two usage, and how he fits into an already crowded receiver room, have been some of the biggest storylines of the Jaguars offseason, and the message sent by the team to open camp offers little clarification. While operating primarily on the offensive side of the ball as a rookie, Hunter caught only 28 passes for 298 yards before an LCL injury ended his season after seven games. Still, he appeared to be on the verge of a breakout, recording his first 100-yard game and catching the first touchdown of his career in the Week 7 contest he left injured. Hunter's upside is undeniable, and with him falling as far in drafts as he has, any usage-related risk is all but removed, making him a player to target in the late rounds as RotoBaller's WR72.
Source: John Shipley
Source: John Shipley
Zach LaVine Could Seek Midseason Buyout
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine is viewed by NBA insider Evan Sidery as a likely midseason buyout candidate if the rebuilding Kings start slowly. LaVine's $49 million expiring contract still carries negative trade value, making a release the cleaner path to a contender if Sacramento decides to move on. There have been no active buyout talks, but Sidery notes LaVine and Klutch Sports could eventually push for one. The two-time All-Star averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 39 games last season before right hand surgery ended his year. For fantasy, LaVine still offers points and threes when healthy, but managers need a signing and a defined role before treating him as more than a wait-and-see scorer.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Door Could Be Closing on Trey Benson
The pads have come on at Arizona Cardinals training camp, and Arizona Sports' Tyler Drake believes that third-year running back Trey Benson could be falling perilously behind in the competition for meaningful work in 2026. The Cardinals bolstered their running back room this offseason through the free agent acquisition of Tyler Allgeier and the drafting of Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the moves look to be paying early dividends. Allgeier has almost exclusively been the first back through positional drills, and Drake reports that Love has looked like the real deal in the early days of camp, standing out with his shiftiness and playmaking abilities. Even Bam Knight has surprised with some early highlights, while neither Benson nor veteran James Conner has taken part in full team drills, as they each work through the final stages of recovery from the injuries that ended their respective 2025 campaigns. Conner is a proven leader, and his place on the final roster would appear to be more secure after recently being singled out by offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, but for Benson, every day that he falls behind makes his future with the team that much murkier.
Source: Tyler Drake - Arizona Sports
Source: Tyler Drake - Arizona Sports
Klay Thompson Surfaces in Heat-Mavericks Trade Framework
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson has surfaced in a potential trade framework floated by NBA insider Evan Sidery, with Nikola Jovic and a 2027 second-round pick going back to Dallas. Miami, fresh off landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, is looking for shooting around him and Bam Adebayo, and Thompson still fits that need after hitting 38.3 percent from deep last season. The 36-year-old averaged just 11.7 points mostly off the bench, though, leaving his fantasy value capped as an aging catch-and-shoot option wherever he lands. Jovic is the more interesting fantasy name. The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 47 games behind Miami's crowded frontcourt, but a move to Dallas could give him a clearer path to minutes next to Cooper Flagg. This is only a framework for now, so both outlooks remain speculative.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Mauricio Dubon Slumping, Falling Off Fantasy Radar
Braves outfielder Mauricio Dubon has struggled mightily over his last 15 games, hitting .186 with a .210 OBP and .271 slugging percentage. His strikeout rate is on pace to reach a career high, and his inability to make consistent contact has contributed to his recent decline. Dubon is now slashing .260/.311/.403 with a .714 OPS after an outstanding start to the season. The 32-year-old should continue to receive regular playing time as the Braves enter August, giving him an opportunity to break out of his slump. However, his recent production has significantly lowered his fantasy value. Managers can leave Dubon on the waiver wire until he begins to show more consistency at the plate.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Falcons Sign Quarterback Cooper Rush
With quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa (back) and Michael Penix Jr. (knee) both dealing with injuries to begin training camp, the Atlanta Falcons have signed veteran Cooper Rush, according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Penix did not practice throughout OTAs or minicamp as he continues to recover from a 2025 season-ending knee injury, and Tagovailoa is reported to be experiencing back tightness ahead of training camp, forcing the Falcons to add Rush two days before their first practice of the summer. The 32-year-old career backup started two games in 2025 in his lone season with the Ravens, throwing for 303 yards, no touchdowns, and four interceptions before being supplanted by Tyler Huntley and eventually released. Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters on Wednesday that Tagovailoa "will be out there sooner rather than later," but in the meantime, Rush could find himself briefly working with the first-team offense.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Bucks, Nuggets Discuss Peyton Watson Sign-and-Trade
Restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson has been the focus of active sign-and-trade discussions between the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, per Evan Sidery. A package featuring AJ Green and a future first-round pick could be headed to Denver if the sides find a deal. Watson broke out in 2025-26, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 41.1 percent from three. A move to Milwaukee could give him a clearer path to starter-level minutes than he had in Denver's crowded rotation. Green, who shot 41.9 percent from three on 7.1 attempts per game, would be a natural floor-spacing fit next to Nikola Jokic. Nothing is finalized, so both fantasy outlooks stay fluid until a deal lands.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Josh Bell Remains on Waiver-Wire Radar Despite July Slowdown
Twins designated hitter Josh Bell has cooled off in July after a red-hot June in which he hit .295 with a .547 slugging percentage. Bell is now slashing .246/.305/.414 with a .719 OPS and 13 home runs through 104 games in his first season with the Twins. His 22.3 K% is his highest in the past six seasons, limiting his overall offensive production. Even so, Bell has continued to make authoritative contact, as his 9.7 Barrel% ranks well above league average and supports his power potential. The 33-year-old has shown he can heat up quickly when his swing is locked in. Fantasy managers looking for home run upside should consider adding Bell before another productive stretch.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jonathan Kuminga Draws Lakers Sign-and-Trade Push
Free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga has been linked to a Lakers sign-and-trade framework that would send Jarred Vanderbilt and draft capital to the Atlanta Hawks, according to Evan Sidery. Kuminga, whom the Hawks acquired from Golden State at the deadline before declining his team option, may need to lower his reported $20-million-plus annual ask if the market does not materialize. The former Warriors forward averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 2025-26. A move to Los Angeles could give him a real frontcourt role alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, though his usage would be capped behind two high-usage guards. Vanderbilt would add defense and rebounding in Atlanta if moved, but his limited offense keeps his fantasy value thin.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Tua Tagovailoa Dealing with Back Tightness Ahead of Training Camp
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (back) is reportedly dealing with back tightness to begin training camp, but head coach Kevin Stefanski does not appear to be overly concerned about his availability moving forward, telling reporters, "He will be out there sooner rather than later." Atlanta signed Tagovailoa to a one-year, veteran minimum contract following his release from the Dolphins, and with the Falcons having one of the league's few unsettled quarterback situations, there was an expectation that he could gain an early edge in his competition with Penix, as the 2024 first-round pick continues to recover from the knee injury that ended his 2025 campaign. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old Tagovailoa is experiencing back tightness, causing the team to sign veteran Cooper Rush on Wednesday, two days before the first practice of the summer. Tagovailoa's ailment adds one more wrinkle to a battle that already carried considerable fantasy ramifications, and drafters will need to monitor his status throughout camp. The 2023 Pro Bowler currently ranks as RotoBaller's QB30.
Source: Tori McElhaney
Source: Tori McElhaney
Hogan Harris Shaky in Tuesday's Save
Athletics left-hander Hogan Harris had to battle for Tuesday night's save against the Red Sox after entering the ninth inning with a three-run lead. Harris allowed two earned runs on three hits, including a home run, but recovered to secure his ninth save while striking out three batters. His swing-and-miss ability remained on display despite the shaky outing. The 29-year-old has continued to earn more late-inning opportunities after posting a 2.61 ERA during the month of July. He now owns a 3.38 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts across 48 innings this season. Harris' ability to generate strikeouts gives him legitimate fantasy appeal, and managers should continue to view him as a strong source of saves while he handles high-leverage opportunities.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Alex Lange Blows Third Save on Tuesday as Long-Term Questions Arise
Royals right-hander Alex Lange blew his third save of the season on Tuesday, continuing a difficult stretch out of the bullpen. Lange allowed two earned runs and one walk while recording just two outs, marking his third blown save in his last five opportunities. The 30-year-old has struggled to protect leads, posting an 11.20 ERA and 1.90 WHIP over his last 15 appearances. His season numbers have also taken a hit, as he now owns a 6.33 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. Those recent struggles are likely to cost him ninth-inning opportunities if they continue. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for saves until Lange can regain his form and reestablish himself in high-leverage situations.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Russell Westbrook Draws EuroLeague Interest
Free-agent guard Russell Westbrook is drawing strong interest from EuroLeague teams, according to Evan Sidery. The 37-year-old still prefers to remain in the NBA, but an overseas move now appears to be his most realistic path. Westbrook remains unsigned late in the offseason market after averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 64 games with the Sacramento Kings last season. The former MVP has played for seven franchises over the past nine seasons, and his NBA market has stayed thin. For fantasy managers, there is little to act on. A EuroLeague deal would take Westbrook off NBA boards, while any late NBA opportunity would need a clear role before he carries draft value.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Eduardo Valencia Homers Twice in his Seventh Big-League Game
Detroit Tigers rookie catcher/first baseman Eduardo Valencia had a day to remember on Tuesday in the 14-0 win over the visiting Baltimore Orioles in just his seventh game in the majors. Valencia went 4-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, three runs scored, and a strikeout to boost his season average to .529 and his OPS to 1.791 in a small sample size of seven big-league contests. It was his first game action with the Tigers since being recalled from Triple-A Toledo on Monday. Per MLB Pipeline, Valencia is considered Detroit's No. 11 overall prospect. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder also homered in his first major-league at-bat on July 9, and he now has four homers in his first seven games in Detroit. Valencia's effort to lower his hands in his batting stance to add more lift this year has certainly paid off, as he also clubbed 17 home runs in 81 games at Triple-A in 2026. The Tigers are rolling with Valencia as Dillon Dingler's backup for what looks like the rest of the year.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Gleyber Torres Drives in Five in Rout of Orioles on Tuesday
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres had his best game since returning from the injured list last week in Tuesday's 14-0 blowout victory over the visiting Baltimore Orioles, going 2-for-5 at the plate with a home run, a double, a season-high five RBI, a run scored, and two strikeouts. The 29-year-old Venezuelan second baseman played in just his 51st game of the season on Tuesday because of injuries, but he's now hitting .272 with a .778 OPS. Torres only has five home runs on the year, but he's never been a big power guy -- one outlier 30-homer campaign back in 2019 with the New York Yankees in his second year in the majors. Where he can help down the stretch is with his batting average, thanks to his high contact rate, and in on-base percentage because of his excellent plate discipline. Torres isn't going to move the needle much in the counting stats, but he can certainly be a boost to your fantasy team's average and OBP the rest of the way if he stays healthy. He's currently rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues, too.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Griffin Jax Punches Out a Season-High 10 Batters in Loss to Rangers
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax may have taken a loss on Tuesday against the Texas Rangers, but the 31-year-old former reliever was still dominant for fantasy managers. Jax allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits while walking three and striking out a season-high 10 hitters in 5 2/3 innings pitched for his eighth loss of the year in the 4-1 defeat at Tropicana Field. The 31-year-old reliever turned starter is now sporting a 3.74 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with a 92:30 K:BB in his 86 2/3 innings pitched in his sixth major-league season (first full year in Tampa). Jax blew his first two save chances to open the 2026 campaign as the Rays' primary closing option, and Tampa eventually moved him to the starting rotation, where he's been more valuable in fantasy baseball. Since joining the rotation on April 26, Jax has gone 5-5 with a 3.38 ERA (3.83 FIP) with 72 strikeouts and 20 walks in 72 innings across 16 starts. He allowed a season-high seven earned runs in five innings against the Boston Red Sox on July 17, but since then, he's given up just two earned runs with two walks and 15 K's in two starts versus the Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Gavin Williams Strikes Out Double-Digit Batters in Fourth Straight Start
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams is having a breakout season and has been as dominant as ever of late. Williams allowed two earned runs on three hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out a season-high 12 batters in seven innings in Tuesday's 2-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in the second game of a doubleheader. He was hit with his sixth loss of the 2026 season, but it was also Williams' fourth straight start with double-digit strikeouts. The 27-year-old has fanned 45 and walked just two in 27 innings with a 3.00 ERA and 0.63 WHIP during his four-game dominant stretch of late. Williams now has a 3.71 ERA on the year and will be a must-start in all fantasy formats for his next scheduled start against the New York Mets. Not only is Williams missing more bats than ever before in 2026, but he's also showing better command, and he has walked two or fewer batters in four straight starts as well. There is no pitcher more dominant right now than Williams in the month of July. On the season, he has struck out double-digit batters seven times.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Vinnie Pasquantino Pulled on Tuesday With Sore Hand
The Kansas City Royals announced that first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) left Tuesday night's game early against the division-rival Minnesota Twins with right-hand soreness. Before leaving the eventual 3-2 loss at Target Field, Pasquantino went 0-for-3 at the plate with a strikeout to drop his season average to .232 and his OPS to .663. Normally, hand soreness wouldn't be much of a concern, but it is for Pasquantino, who already required surgery for a fractured hamate bone in his right hand earlier this season. Fantasy managers should consider the left-handed slugger day-to-day for now, but don't be surprised if it results in a trip to the injured list. The 28-year-old has been a massive disappointment for fantasy managers in 2026 after he clubbed a career-high 32 homers and drove in 113 runs in 160 games a season ago. The Pasquatch entered Tuesday with a .234/.321/.348 slash line with a career-worst .670 OPS, only six homers, and 33 RBI in 333 plate appearances. If he requires another trip to the IL, expect Jac Caglianone to move from right field to first base in KC. Pasquantino's power stroke from the left side isn't guaranteed to bounce back the rest of the year following his hand issues.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Leaves Tuesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
The Toronto Blue Jays announced that first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (hamstring) left Tuesday night's game early against the Washington Nationals with tightness in his right hamstring. Guerrero went 1-for-2 at the plate before being replaced at first base by Kazuma Okamoto. It's not the first time this year that the 27-year-old has dealt with a hamstring issue, but hopefully it's nothing serious and he's just day-to-day. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Wednesday to see if Vladdy is back in Toronto's starting lineup against Washington. The six-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner has been one of the most disappointing big-name starts in baseball in 2026, as he entered Tuesday's action slashing just .264/.344/.356 with a career-low .700 OPS, six home runs, 44 RBI, 54 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 102 games across 433 plate appearances. Guerrero's power has noticeably been absent, and a turnaround doesn't appear to be imminent. Health could be a major reason, as the Canadian native has dealt with nagging issues off and on. In 21 games in July going into Tuesday's game against Washington, Guerrero was hitting .250 (20-for-80) with two homers, five doubles, 10 RBI, nine runs, and one steal in 90 plate appearances.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Adley Rutschman Set to Be Reassessed During Orioles' Upcoming Homestand
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist) will be reassessed during the team's upcoming homestand to determine if he can resume baseball activities, per Jake Rill of MLB.com. Baltimore returns home from its current road trip on Friday. Rutschman is currently on the 10-day injured list due to left wrist inflammation, and it appears he will not be activated when first eligible on Wednesday. Across 284 plate appearances in 2026, Rutschman has hit .251/.331/.433 with eight home runs, 47 RBI, and 30 runs scored. The 28-year-old has walked in 10.6% of his plate appearances while posting just a 14.1% strikeout rate. However, he's posted just a 7.1% barrel rate, and his power could now be sapped even further if this current wrist issue lingers. With both Rutschman and Samuel Basallo (shoulder) on the injured list, the Orioles have turned to Chadwick Tromp and Yohel Pozo to handle their catching duties.
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Jack Flaherty Expected to Miss More than 15 Days with Current Flexor Strain
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said he expects starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (forearm) to miss "more than the minimum" 15 days with his current forearm injury, per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. Flaherty was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 21 due to right flexor inflammation. The veteran right-hander has yet to resume throwing, and it appears he could be facing an extended absence. Across 86 1/3 innings (19 starts) before the injury, Flaherty recorded a 3-8 record with a 4.59 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 102 strikeouts. The 30-year-old has maintained a strong 26.2% strikeout rate this season, but he's walked 10.8% of the batters he's faced and has allowed a 46.2% hard-hit rate. With Flaherty sidelined, Tigers right-hander Keider Montero has rejoined the team's starting rotation.
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Tyler Glasnow Scheduled to Throw Live Bullpen Session on Wednesday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow (back) is scheduled to throw a second live bullpen session on Wednesday, per Katie Woo of The Athletic. Glasnow has been sidelined since early May due to lower back issues, but it appears as though he could be nearing a minor league rehab assignment. Across 39 2/3 innings (seven starts) before the injury, Glasnow recorded a 3-0 record with a 2.72 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts. The oft-injured 32-year-old has basically never made it through a big-league season healthy, which limits his fantasy value. However, he remains an ultra-high-upside starting pitcher when healthy, as he's logged a K-BB rate above 24% in seven out of the last eight seasons. Once healthy, Glasnow profiles as a must-start pitcher who can provide short bursts of dominance for fantasy managers.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Will Smith Pain-Free, Has Resumed Baseball Activities
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that catcher Will Smith (neck) is "pain-free" and has resumed baseball activities, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Smith is currently on the 60-day injured list and has not played since June 5 due to ongoing neck issues. However, it appears as though the 31-year-old is ramping up and could be close to going out on a minor league rehab assignment. Across 201 plate appearances before landing on the IL, Smith hit .249/.338/.382 with six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored. While his numbers were below his usual standard, Smith may have been hampered by the neck troubles. The veteran catcher's underlying metrics remained strong, as he struck out in just 16.9% of his plate appearances while posting a 13.4% barrel rate. If Smith can make it back to full health, he profiles as a must-start fantasy catcher.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Blake Snell Set to Make Another Rehab Start on Wednesday
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell (elbow) will make a rehab start with Single-A Ontario on Wednesday. This will be Snell's third appearance on his current rehab stint as he works his way back from elbow surgery. Thanks to both elbow and shoulder issues, the 33-year-old has thrown just three innings in the big leagues so far this season. However, recent reporting indicates that Snell is expected to throw about 60 pitches on Wednesday and could be activated by the Dodgers following the start, assuming he makes it through without any hiccups. Snell remains a high-end starting pitcher when healthy, as he recorded a 5-4 record with a 2.35 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 72 strikeouts across 61 1/3 innings (11 starts) for the Dodgers in 2025. As long as he can avoid injury over the final two months of the regular season, he carries league-winning upside for fantasy managers.
Source: Ontario Tower Buzzers
Source: Ontario Tower Buzzers
Byron Buxton Exits Early on Tuesday Due to Hip Soreness
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) exited early from his team's game against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday due to right-hip soreness, according to Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Buxton was hitless in two at-bats before being removed from the contest. Injuries have been a persistent problem in Buxton's career, as he's reached 400 plate appearances just twice in 11 MLB seasons (not including 2026). While he's largely been able to stay on the field so far this year, Buxton has already logged one stint on the injured list due to hip issues and now could be ticketed for a second. The 32-year-old remains a highly productive player when healthy, as he's hit .263/.320/.544 with 25 home runs, 45 RBI, 57 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across 362 plate appearances in 2026. If Buxton misses time, Twins outfielders Austin Martin and Alan Roden could both be in line for an increase in playing time.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
